The Overwatch League 2021 playoffs haven’t started yet. However, the teams in the league have already started preparations for the future. The fifth season is expected to be played in an early build of Overwatch 2 around April 2022. There aren’t as many changes as fans expected. However, with the league’s transition to the five-on-five competitive system in Overwatch 2, some important things have changed.
Teams will now need to sign with a minimum of six players, while it required minimum of seven players in 2021. Teams will be able to continue with a maximum of 12 players in their squads until 2022.
For the past four years, the Overwatch League has demanded a minimum salary of fifty thousand dollars for all players. Under the new rules, the updated salaries have been increased to fifty thousand seven hundred dollars to reflect a cost-of-living adjustment based on global inflation rates.
Seasonal contracts have a minimum duration of one season. Teams have the right to call the player to renew their contract before reaching free agent status. On the condition that they have a minimum of six players, the Overwatch League teams can sign thirty-day contract with any player they want. These contracts allow them to play for both the Overwatch League team and the Overwatch Contenders academy team.
Teams can begin the transfers on September 26, after the 2021 Grand Finals are over. By October 2, teams must extend their existing player contracts. Players whose contracts are not renewed will become free agents on October 9. Starting on October 10, teams can sign players with free agent status and no purchase fees. Teams must have at least five players by January 3, 2022. They also must have six players in their squad by March 1, 2022.
